YOU’D think that being British, we’d be used to the grey, gloomy skies of winter.

But the lack of sunshine in our lives means millions risk suffering depression.

Some 20 million adults – half the working population – only catch a glimpse of sunlight at lunchtime.

And for those too busy to go outside for a break, the only time they see daylight is at the weekend.

SAD is a real problem

Dr Ian Campbell

This can leave millions prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The result can be mood swings, broken sleep, lethargy, over-eating, loss of concentration, social problems, anxiety and loss of libido.

Family GP Dr Ian Campbell said: “SAD is a real problem. I see it in patients when we start to identify a pattern of low mood, sometimes frank depression in the months October to March.”

A third of people quizzed in a poll for lightbox maker Beurer said they suffered subdued moods and a lack of energy in winter.